Genesis 43-45 (Day 27)

_ Before God raised Joseph to power, he had many trials from the age of 17 to 30... (He was sold into slavery by his brothers, accused of attempted rape and put in prison, and forgotten by the king’s cupbearer after his release) He could have become bitter, but instead the character he had led him to more maturity of character.

Romans 5:3-4 (Amplified version)  “Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.  4  And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.”

As you read through chapter 45 you see the meekness and the true heart of servant leadership that Joseph had. It was power and authority directed by love.